Friday, February 13, 2009

Reformatory profiles in courage.

Tories maintain Cadman tape was doctoredThe Conservatives are repeating allegations that a B.C. journalist doctored a tape of Stephen Harper talking about the Cadman affair – but only in places where they are protected from lawsuits.

MP Pierre Poilievre, the parliamentary secretary to the Prime Minister, slipped out of the Commons by the back door Friday morning rather than take up the NDP's challenge that he repeat the claims outside the chamber. MPs cannot be sued for what they say in the Commons, but outside the door of the House, they have no special protection.[…]In the Commons today, New Democrat MP Joe Comartin pressed the government to provide evidence that the tape was doctored, or apologize to Mr. Zytaruk for smearing his reputation.

“We need not provide that evidence because it was already provided in court. It is proven that the tape was doctored, but happily the issue is resolved now,” Mr. Poilievre replied.

An angry Mr. Comartin demanded that Mr. Polievre repeat the statement outside “so Mr. Zytaruk can sue him for maligning his reputation.”

Instead, Mr. Poilievre slipped out a back door and avoided reporters waiting to speak to him.

Leadership! Accountability! Stand by what I said? Are you fucking nuts?

Can they be charged for assault for what they do in the Commons? As in, what if someone in the Opposition walked across the floor and punched Pierre in the mouth? Is that also protected by the sanctity of the House of Commons? Can we find out?

Such a mature party, the CPC.One would expect that the Liberals would be pursuing this. Instead it's the NDP.Like I've said, there seems to be little difference between the Liberals and the Conservatives lately and that seems to extend to their respective bloggers with few exceptions....